Expert supply chain advice sees Sweet Revolution come to China

A range of organic dairy-free drinks from a Wetherby family business are set to cause a major stir in China, thanks to ‘origin’ specialists at Chamber International.

The drinks, made by Sweet Revolution, have achieved UK origin status – a crucial stage for exporting into China – after tests applied by Chamber International and are now being distributed in China by a specialist supplier to health food shops and pharmacies.

As Sweet Revolution’s beverages, which are registered vegan, certified organic, and free from gluten, dairy and refined cane sugar, are made using ingredients sourced overseas, including Vietnamese coconut milk powder, raw crystallised coconut nectar sweetening and various spices, China had to be satisfied that they were a British product, which Chamber International established by applying a number of detailed tests to demonstrate ‘substantive change’ – the rule determining a product’s origin – during manufacture.

The company founder, Jane Nicholls, said: “Being able to export to China is potentially massive for us as it is a very big market and there is huge interest among consumers in healthy eating and the whole ‘free-from’ market. Also the pharmacy chain we are supplying has plans to expand into Singapore.

“Chamber International has huge practical experience which they applied to our case and they were very good to work with. I would not have known where to start without their help and advice.”

Ms Nicholls founded Sweet Revolution in 2009 after her interest in healthy eating had been fuelled when her son, Alex, suffered a dairy intolerance as a baby. She started researching natural ways to treat his condition, including studying naturopathic nutrition with the Natural Healing Foundation at Salford University.

The business has achieved a six-figure turnover and annual double-digit sales growth by selling through health food shops, organic specialist stores and delicatessens.

Following attendance at a trade show in London, distributors were also appointed in Holland, Finland and the Republic of Ireland.

Ms Nicholls added: “We are pleased to be part of huge and growing interest in all areas of health and wellness, especially among millennials, and the links between food and good health. We are expecting sales to increase with double-digit growth during the next five years and aim to achieve 25 per cent in sales from exports.”

Chamber International’s China specialist, Matthew Grandage, says, “China’s consumers are becoming increasingly committed to the idea that it’s worth paying extra for a more balanced future – for themselves, their families and the environment as a whole.

“By paying attention to these matters in product development, careful supply chain management and marketing, British food and drink brands are winning new fans in China. Creative organic producers like Sweet Revolutions are part of this key moment in the evolution of the world’s largest food market.”